RIP, VIP and TIPs from the WIP

I worked fast and furious on the Biltmore scrapbook last summer, so I'm still posting entries I wrote from then! This is the last one, though, so in the coming weeks, I will pick up that WIP again.

[Sunday, August 24, 2008] (Nana, you've had a long birthday this year!)

These next two pages should be quick and easy: a two-page spread featuring Mr. & Mrs. Vanderbilt's bedrooms. Yes, they slept separately, not uncommon in that day but begs the questions (c'mon, you've wondered): did it make them more or less intimate? commune better? get uninterrupted sleep? If we are remotely curious about these things in heaven, perhaps we'll inquire.

I start with Edith's room. The rich, dark textures of her room scream for a light background (not to mention smacks of death), but I also don't want the layout to be too dull either. I find a sheet of beige cardstock (butter is too bright), which is muted butter. Then, I find a slant-lined purple pattern in my stash which coordinates splendidly. Just enough purple - neither over- nor understated. (image 1)



I also find the same patterned paper in green, so I use that on George's page. In this instance, its the pattern of the paper that unifies the layout, not the color, in addition to the portrait postcards. (image 2)




Summer is about to wake up, so I break for now.

[Wednesday, August 27, 2008, Crop Club]

Mom, Kathy and I are scrapping and watching America's Got Talent. Thus far, the talent is a bit lackluster. Jerry Springer live is a bit scary. Good reason to focus on my scrapbook. Picking up where I left off, with the straight trimmer, I cut some of the evergreen cardstock to charge the as-built on Mr. Vanderbilt's page and eggplant cardstock to charge the as-built on Mrs. V's page. I'll do the same for the vellum later. Now, I decide to use the tearing tool to tear each side of the beige cardstock to add texture.

During an AGT commercial break, we discuss Michael Phelps' .01 win against Cavic in the 100 fly. We heard that special cameras had been installed the night before, perhaps in anticipation of the tight race. Our pride as a nation was fueled all the more by the honorable way in which Phelps handled himself before, during and after each race. "Let the swimming speak for itself," he continually states. Not so for his competitors.

A lot competes for your attention if you maintain a large stash. The girls and I discuss the process of selecting the right embellishments. We concur that always sticking with the first discovery might cause us to overlook something better, so, if you find something, add it to your "lightbox" and continue searching. This same selection process applies to many things. I, for one, will scour all the XM radio stations for the best song, even if the best song was the first one I heard, and by the time I get back to it, it's over. I'm discontented to keep it on the first station without hearing what else is playing. In short, I like having options.

ER is entering its final season after 14 long years. Kathy and I have been faithful viewers. We hope George Clooney makes a cameo in one of the final episodes. I only hope it takes me less time to complete this scrapbook than ER has been broadcast!

I adhere everything with tape runner except vellum and Mr. V's portrait, including the torn paper. With the straight trimmer, I cut a small journaling box from the evergreen cardstock and with the gold metallic fine-tip pen, write a little of the description from Mr. V's portrait at the top, followed by a bit of narrative regarding the rest of the tour. Then, I adhere the postcard and journaling box with tape runner. I cut a small strip of evergreen cardstock to charge vellum, then adhere it with frosted splits. (image 3)



Mrs. V's page is very similar. I follow the same process as above using eggplant cardstock. (image 4) I add page protectors, and I'm done for the night, thankful I don't have to retire to Mrs. V's isolated death-adorned boudoir.



Title of this entry spelled out for you: Rest in Peace, Very Important Person and Tips from the Work in Progress. The 'Rest in Peace' bit is a bit cynical. It doesn't allude to Edith Vanderbilt's death, but instead to her sleeping quarters.